After winning four games a year ago, Liberty’s girls’ lacrosse team has already matched their win total from a year ago midway through the season.

Now the ‘Canes hope they can keep improving to battle for a playoff spot.

Liberty (4-5) has been competitive all season long and head coach Samantha Weinert expected this year’s group to be in every game. She also knows the road will only get tougher down the stretch too.

“I knew deep down that this team we have this season would do good things,” said Weinert. “We are athletic, multisport athletes who work hard and get along with each other on and off the field. I am proud of this team, but we have tough competition in the next few weeks who are going to test us.”

Liberty has lost their last two outings, dropping a 16-12 contest to Northwestern and then falling to undefeated power Pleasant Valley 17-7 last week.

This week’s test of games don’t get any easier with Southern Lehigh (4-1) and Emmaus (4-5) on deck, along with a weekend date with Scranton Prep.

For a program looking to take the next steps, Liberty is certainly on their way. Weinert just hopes it pays off for this group this season.

“Their determination and perseverance overcoming tough situations has surprised the staff,” Weinert said. “They’ve dealt with injuries, low numbers and former players not coming out for the team or quitting. We are competing with players in the area who play lacrosse year round and they never back down. It’s a pretty good start given our history of Liberty girls’ lacrosse.”

Freedom (4-2) has always been the catalyst in the city in lacrosse and the girls program continues that trend, as they’ve won four straight coming into the week after an 0-2 start.

The Pates have four matches this week with a key showdown against Pleasant Valley on Thursday.

They beat Parkland on Monday 11-10 with Karee Vandever scoring four times as they try for a top-three spot in the district power rankings.

Emma Mannino scored twice and Ava Greenburg added one. Jenelle Karabinus scored three times and Saige Carter had one goal.

Arianna O’Keefe made 9 saves in the win.